Design Article
Converter box brings digital TV into analog realm
David Carey
8/20/2008 12:01 AM EDT
There's a revolution coming in broadcast television, and for those not yet equipped to handle the change, solutions are standing by. The long-discussed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate to switch off analog television signal transmission across the country is now slated for Feb. 17, 2009. Digital TV broadcasting will replace remaining analog signals, a move already begun or implemented in many U.S. markets. People who use cable or satellite TV, regardless of their televisions' functionality, will not be affected by the conversion; those with antenna-based TVs that have only analog tuners, however, have been bracing themselves for the inevitable kick of their old TVs to the curb.
Not so fast. Technology comes to the rescue, in the form of a converter box that massages DTV signals back to the analog format needed for legacy television compatibility. Converter boxes from a variety of manufacturers have made their way to consumer electronics store shelves in recent months to help ease customers through the pending DTV changeover. Because the analog signal "go-dark" order was imposed by the FCC, there's even an offer for U.S. government help: To defray the cost of spectral repurposing, consumers can apply for $40 coupons from the Department of Commerce to be used toward the purchase of an approved DTV converter box.
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norfi4u
8/28/2008 11:24 AM EDT
Since I own one of the earlier versions of the Insignia (aka "Zenith") converter boxes, I was glad to see this article. I have been very pleased with the performance, especially considering that I am anywhere from 35 to more than 100 miles from the stations I wish to receive. One question that I have not seen addressed anywhere regarding DTV and conversion to analog: the PBS stations have been sending out time and date code info for years that is used by devices like TVs, VCRs, and even some DVD recorders to automatically set correct time and date. I presume that this coding (or its equivalent) will be continued in the DTV mode, BUT ... will the converter boxes decode that signal and imbed it into the analog signal? I have no less than 5 analog video devices that use the coding, so I'd like to know.
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Highdef Jeff
1/30/2009 4:28 PM EST
Sir,
You should purchase the Echostar TR-40 or the DTVPal Plus. These both allow analog pass through (in the event you are in range of the low power stations that are exempt to the change) and VCR event timers, also. These also have the EPG (Electronic Program guide) that will show you what is on for up to a week in advance so you can set those timers without a TV Guide. If you are pleased, as you say, with the performance of your Insignia box, get the TR-40, as you will not need the additional tuner sensitivity.
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